The sergeant in charge of the Saint John police major crime unit when Richard Oland’s body was found testified at Dennis Oland’s murder Tuesday morning.
David Brooker, who is now an acting inspector, said several officers were assigned tasks after Richard’s body was found on July 7, 2011.
After the interview with Dennis Oland, Brooker says it was decided he would be placed under surveillance that evening.
— Brad Perry (@BradMPerry) January 8, 2019
Brooker said he contacted Rogers Communications requesting info on several phone numbers, including Richard’s iPhone, which was missing from his office.
He said after Dennis was interviewed, an officer was sent to Renforth Wharf to “have a look” for anything suspicious and Dennis was placed under surveillance.
Brooker said the wharf was searched three more times in the days to follow, including twice with divers, as they tried to find a possible weapon or the missing phone.
Officers also searched Dennis’ home on Gondola Point Road on July 14, 2011.
Gold is asking Brooker questions related to the searches of Renforth Wharf. Dennis Oland told investigators he had stopped there on his way home after leaving his father’s office on the night of July 6th, 2011.
— Brad Perry (@BradMPerry) January 8, 2019
During cross-examination, Brooker said he formed an opinion on what the murder weapon could be based on photographs of the wounds on Richard’s body.
Brooker says he had no idea the pathologist had never seen that type of wound before and there is “no particular reason” why they did not send the photos to other pathologists or homicide investigators to see if they had.
The defence also questioned Brooker about an allegation of a box of exhibits in Insp. Glen McCloskey’s office.
Brooker said there was no reason he was aware of why the box would have been there.
Story by Brad Perry
Twitter: @BradMPerry
Email: perry.brad@radioabl.ca
(File photo/Acadia News)
